The move followed reports in December of 2017 that Kern had been the subject of two human resources investigations by CBS TV Studios stemming from his work on the studio’s popular CBS crime procedural. The inquiries centered on allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination against women —particularly working mothers —and racially charged comments, among other issues, Variety reported at the time.

Following the second investigation, Kern was reportedly assigned to and underwent six months of sensitivity training/counseling, which he completed in February.